OPPORTUNITY PROFILE Chief Executive Officer

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1 OPPORTUNITY PROFILE Chief Executive Officer

2 ABOUT WOOD BUFFALO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Wood Buffalo is among the most exciting municipalities in Canada for investment and growth. It s building a sustainable future by creating opportunities throughout its 10 distinct communities. As home of the oil sands and with Fort McMurray as its urban centre, Wood Buffalo is poised for a bright future, full of diverse opportunities. The RMWB Council unanimously passed a resolution to establish an Economic Advisory Committee which led to the establishment of a task force of local business and organizational leaders, to promote economic development in the region. In 2017, the task force presented a concept of an arms-length economic development and tourism entity. The resulting newly-created Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation (WBEDC) is a not-for-profit company dedicated to carrying out a broad range of economic development activities and improving reputation and branding on behalf of the citizens and taxpayers located in the region. Working on local economic development and forming the economic growth strategy, they will help promote the RMWB, ensuring it is nationally and internationally competitive in order to attract business, investment, events, and talent to the region while also supporting the region s existing business and assets. WBEDC has recently recruited an inaugural Board of Directors. LOCATION FORT MCMURRAY Opportunity is what brings people to Fort McMurray, but an amazing lifestyle is why they stay. Explore the surrounding boreal forest, witness the northern lights, and immerse yourself in a thriving multicultural community. Nestled in a forest valley where the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers meet is Wood Buffalo s urban centre, the community of Fort McMurray. Home to over 125,000 Albertans and their families, Fort McMurray has one of the nation s highest average household incomes ($189,458), as well as one of the largest discretionary incomes ($30,464). Originally established as a Hudson s Bay Company trading post in 1870, today Fort McMurray draws attention from around the world as the residential and commercial focal point of Canada s oil sands industry. The Athabasca Oil Sands is both the largest known reservoir of crude bitumen in the world, with over 1.7 trillion barrels of recoverable oil and also the third largest deposit of oil in the world, behind only Venezuela and Saudi Arabia. This natural resource has provided immense opportunity for the region, and support from industry partners has allowed Fort McMurray to build a thriving, family oriented, multicultural community. In the heart of Fort McMurray sits MacDonald Island Park, Canada s largest recreation centre. This world-class facility provides residents with superior sports, cultural, recreational and event opportunities. It is also home to the Suncor Community Leisure Centre and the Wood Buffalo Public Library. Health care is a top priority for residents, and the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre serves as the dedicated hospital in the region offering 24-hour emergency care, intensive care unit, full surgical services, radiology unit and medical laboratory. A wide variety of specialized health opportunities are also available, including personal trainers at state of the art fitness facilities and a wide array of therapeutic and holistic services. Four public school districts and twenty-four schools provide the highest standards of education for our youngest residents, and Keyano College provides post-secondary courses and programs to our community. The college collaborates with Athabasca University, University of Lethbridge, University of Alberta and University of Calgary to offer academic degrees in many programs without having to leave the region. Our region is an outdoor paradise for adventure seekers, with over 130 km of maintained trails, sand dunes, skating, skiing and golfing. The beautiful Birchwood trails are home to our nation s largest outdoor green gym, and provide as oasis in the middle of our city. Finally, Fort McMurray is located in close proximately to Wood Buffalo National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and second largest national park in the world. OPPORTUNITY PROFILE Chief Executive Officer 2

3 Our northern location roughly centers on the 65th parallel, allowing residents of Fort McMurray the privilege of watching the Aurora Borealis dance most cold, clear evenings from October to March. Fort McMurray also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, including the state of the art Keyano Theatre, several art galleries, numerous festivals and live events. Sports fans in the region can enjoy cheering on our hometown teams the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (hockey), Fort McMurray Monarchs (football) and Fort McMurray Giants (baseball). Fort McMurray is a place for families to work, stay, and grow and offers you the opportunity to enjoy an extraordinary lifestyle. To learn more, visit: THE OPPORTUNITY Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for managing the overall operations of the organization and carrying out all policies and directives of the board. Through the creation and implementation of strategic goals and objectives, as specified by the board, this position is instrumental in fulfilling the organizations vision, mission, and values. In conjunction with the Board, the CEO establishes the strategic direction of the organization. The CEO is also responsible for board support, leadership, governance, stakeholder relationships, and general administrative duties. The CEO will be responsible for providing leadership and overall direction in the planning (strategic, operational, and capital), development, and the implementation of processes, programs, and services that support the directives of WBEDC. The CEO is the visible face of WBEDC and is responsible for the organization s reputation and brand. He/she participates in the creation and implementation of a common vision for the organization and serves as a role model for the organization s vision, mission, and values, while creating and fostering a culture of integrity among the senior leaders and throughout the organization. KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic and Operational Planning Develop the strategic direction and objectives of the WBEDC for consideration and approval by the board of directors and manage the execution of the strategic plan. Develop and establish a business plan that outlines specific financial and management objectives as required by the board of directors to accomplish the strategic direction and support corporate outcomes. Establish a culture of best practices and benchmarking for all services and operations. Establish a strategic approach to the design and management of programs, services, and operations that ensures regular input from customers, communication with stakeholders, and consideration of emerging trends and issues locally, nationally, and internationally. Leadership Oversee the selection and hiring of required staff. Effectively create a positive and entrepreneurial team, ensuring that management and staff all work together to deliver needed results through the joint efforts of all. Develop and motivate a strong Management team that is accountable for the day-to-day management and operations of the WBEDC. Provide the vision, leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance-based structure for employees to ensure strong performance, continuous improvement, and development. OPPORTUNITY PROFILE Chief Executive Officer 3

4 Governance Establish and maintain a productive, sound relationship with the Board of Directors and appointed officers, ensuring that they have all the information and support necessary to effectively exercise their governance responsibilities. Employ and engage the WBEDC Management team to establish organizational goals, strategies, outcomes, performance metrics, and procedures necessary to implement and monitor business and operational priorities. Monitor and evaluate progress made on organizational goals, strategies, and outcomes, and report results to the board of directors on an ongoing basis. Work with the Chair and Committee chairs to achieve objectives and deal with matters of importance to the governing Board. Market Knowledge Acquire and maintain a sound knowledge of the industries within which the WBEDC operates and ensure an in-depth understanding of current market conditions, trends, target markets, and opportunities or threats. Provide leadership to the development and implementation of a comprehensive customer-based, marketdriven marketing strategy and plan. Communications/Corporate and Community Relationships Understand the external and internal environment as well as the interests and needs of stakeholders, employees, and customers. Foster a spirit of cooperation with key stakeholders in government, business, and the community. Act as the chief spokesperson for the WBEDC. Ensure development of a strong communications and public relations plan and continued presence. Ensure potential users are informed of the WBEDC activities, successes, and future planning. Financial Management and Risk Management With approval by the Board, develop a long-term financial plan and budgets designed to achieve the strategic and operational objectives of the WBEDC. Develop performance targets designed to measure the strategic and operational effectiveness of the Senior Management Team. OPPORTUNITY PROFILE Chief Executive Officer 4

5 Communicate strategic priorities and expectations succinctly; look at the "big picture" while still attending to issues of immediate concern. Translate the WBEDC s goals and priorities into action. Model and foster a proactive and results orientated operating style. Ensure accountability for the achievement of results. Introduce new concepts and business opportunities and build partnerships that will add value for the region. Human Resources Management Provide professional, moral, ethical, and inspirational leadership to all staff and volunteers. Such an objective is driven by the need to create and establish a working environment and corporate culture conducive to the achievement of objectives established by the board. Ensure that support, coaching, and mentorship is available for staff. Lead the development of people through organizational training, development opportunities, and fulfilling career experiences. Empower people and encourage innovation consistent with organizational priorities. Program Management Manage the effective and efficient design and implementation of programs and services within the approved operating plan and budget. Provide informed leadership and direction for programs and staff. THE PERSON QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES Post-secondary education in business administration, or a related field years of experience in a leadership role. Experience and success at the president and/or CEO level would be a definite asset. Knowledge of, and a network within, the Region of Wood Buffalo would be a strong asset. Has a finger on the pulse of the community and is aware of current issues and trends. Experience working with a volunteer Board committed to evolving its governance practices. A charismatic leader who has a positive reputation and can enhance the profile of the region. Experience in formulating policy, as well as developing and implementing new strategies and procedures and executing a strategic plan. Bottom-line orientation and business focus. OPPORTUNITY PROFILE Chief Executive Officer 5

6 Ability to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government and to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Ability to motivate teams and simultaneously manage several projects. Experience with a successful startup business or other entity. Highly developed and refined planning, negotiating, and communications skills. Travel may be required in this position. KEY SUCCESS FACTORS Among other attributes, the following will be important: Strategic Leadership and Planning Demonstrates a visionary and charismatic leadership style while providing guidance and support to staff. A creative and influential leader that uses a practical, collaborative, and common-sense approach and demonstrates expertise in issues management. Decisive decisionmaker with a strong ability to anticipate change and to respond to change effectively. Able to implement strategic priorities for the organization. Board Relations Understands the role of a governing Board of Directors. Experience in reporting to a volunteer Board. Relationship Builder and Advocate Comfortable identifying and approaching individuals in government and the business community as well as building and maintaining effective relationships. Possesses well-developed negotiation skills. Politically Astute Knows and understands governance and has an intuitive ability to read the political implications of recommendations and actions. Enjoys working with elected officials. Knows and understands the importance of working closely with municipal jurisdictions and the provincial orders of government. Has expertise with policy development and legal processes. Communication Skills A skilled verbal and written communicator; strong presentation skills; open and transparent along with well developed communication skills. Respects a diversity of opinions. Strong public speaking skills. Media Relations Able to act as Chief Spokesperson for the WBEDC. Has effectively managed media and public relations. Financial Management Timely and efficient in all budgeting, financial, and information reporting and planning. Risk Manager Demonstrated ability of identifying, monitoring, and managing key risks in an organization (enterprise risk or other significant risk, including significant organizational, business process and systems changes that must be carefully monitored and managed). Personal Management Skills Excellent organizational and time management skills, with demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple strategic and administrative priorities and tasks. Ability to delegate effectively, establish clear accountabilities and develop the capabilities of others. Has a demonstrated track record of success as a results-oriented self-starter. Critical thinking, Analytical Skills Evaluates information and extracts meaning; demonstrates strategic perspective; ability to develop strategies and policy positions. Possesses excellent judgment and good common sense. Demonstrates an ability to remain objective at all times. The posting will remain open until a CEO is selected. COMPENSATION A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview. OPPORTUNITY PROFILE Chief Executive Officer 6

7 FOR INFORMATION: PLEASE CONTACT Anurag Shourie, Sonny Kapoor, or Sandra McIsaac Leaders International Suite 501 Fox One Street Edmonton, AB T5J 1B8 Phone: OPPORTUNITY PROFILE Chief Executive Officer 7